Only BJP government can usher an era of development in J&K: Navjot Singh Sidhu

Chandigarh: BJP leader Navjot Singh Sidhu, who has been campaigning for the party candidates in Jammu and Kashmir Assembly polls, on Thursday asked the people of the state to give a clear mandate to BJP for the state's development.

"Only a BJP government can usher in an era of development in the state. We do politics of development. The parties which have ruled the state in the past did not do much to develop the state and left it underdeveloped. The power has remained concentrated among few families," the cricketer-turned politician said.

The BJP star campaigner appealed the people of Jammu and Kashmir to give his party a clear majority to form the next government in the state.

"I am deeply touched by the love and affection showered by the people in Kashmir. People are turning in numbers to listen to Narendra Modi and this shows that they have high hopes from our Prime Minister and the BJP," Sidhu said.

He said the people of J&K are facing basic issues such as irregular water and electricity supply, poor roads and public infrastructure.

The former Amritsar MP on Wednesday addressed an election rally in downtown Srinagar and wooed voters in his inimitable style. Sidhu also addressed another rally near Anantnag, which he said was considered a hot-bed of militancy.

Asked if he feels any kind of fear when addressing poll meetings in such areas, Sidhu said, "there is no fear, that question does not arise. When you speak the truth, where is the fear. A coward dies everyday.."

The BJP leader claimed he has been getting "great response from the people".

"I addressed poll meeting in Khanyar, Srinagar, where people listened with great attention. I addressed another meeting in Anantnag area, which people told me was a terrorist-prone area.

Over there more than 3,000 people gathered in the middle of a village. They were so enthusiastic about my presence there," he said.

"This shows that people have high hopes from BJP. They trust Prime Minister Narendra Modi and have faith in his politics and policies," Sidhu added.

He rued that people in Kashmir have been living "in a state of fear".

"What is democracy about? it is for the people. What good is democracy if people continue to live in fear? Living a peaceful life is their first right, then comes development, employment and other things. It is the faith which people have in Modi ji, when they compare him with others. People this time will reject selfish and vested interests and vote for change," Sidhu said.

The BJP leader is scheduled to address more poll rallies in the State between December 13-18.